Small towns in Kentucky pack a surprising punch when it comes to recognition and charm. Bardstown claimed the title of ‘Most Beautiful Small Town in America’ in the Rand McNally/USA Today 2012 competition. Grand Rivers earned similar honors from House Beautiful magazine in 2020. These best small towns in Kentucky offer travelers genuine experiences. Bardstown holds its reputation as the ‘Bourbon Capital of the World’, and Berea stands as the Arts and Crafts Capital. Travelers visiting towns in Kentucky will find places ranging from Harrodsburg, the state’s oldest settlement from 1774, to scenic lakefront retreats. These cute towns in Kentucky deliver history and natural beauty worth a visit in 2026.
Bardstown – The Bourbon Capital
Image Source: Kentucky Bourbon Trail
What Makes Bardstown Special
Bardstown has held the trademarked title of Bourbon Capital of the World since the 1950s. The designation stems from multiple factors that include Kentucky’s limestone-filtered water and the town’s historical concentration of distilleries per capita. Chartered in 1788, Bardstown ranks as Kentucky’s second-oldest city. Nelson County, where Bardstown serves as the county seat, houses close to 3 million barrels of aging bourbon. Eleven distillery experiences sit within 16 miles of downtown.
Top Attractions in Bardstown
Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience stands as an official Kentucky Bourbon Trail stop. It features the Heaven Hill Springs Distillery, Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen and interactive exhibits. Bardstown Bourbon Company operates as the first Napa Valley-style destination that combines distilling with culinary programs and beverage expertise. Other notable distilleries include Barton 1792 Distillery (146 years old), Willett Distillery and the James B. Beam Distilling Co. in nearby Clermont.
My Old Kentucky Home State Park provides daily guided mansion tours. The Oscar Getz Museum of Bourbon History displays more than 1,500 rare bottles with free admission. The Old Kentucky Dinner Train serves gourmet meals aboard scenic rail excursions that include Murder Mystery Dinners and Bourbon Excursions.
Bardstown’s Historic Downtown
Close to 200 buildings in downtown Bardstown appear on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can explore via walking tours, trolley rides or carriage rides through tree-lined streets.
Where to Stay and Eat in Bardstown
The Trail Hotel opened in May 2025 as Bardstown’s first bourbon-centric luxury boutique hotel. It features 95 rooms with eight bourbon-themed suites. Other options include Bardstown Motor Lodge, Bourbon Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn and the historic Talbott Inn.
Mammy’s Kitchen & Bar serves Southern breakfast fare. Scout & Scholar Brewing Co. offers on-site brewed beer with locally sourced comfort food. The Rickhouse Restaurant & Lounge specializes in steaks.
Berea – Arts and Crafts Capital
Image Source: Group Tour magazine
What Makes Berea Special
The Kentucky State Legislature designated Berea as the Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky. This recognition reflects the concentration of artists and artisans who showcase their work throughout the town. About 40 miles south of Lexington, this town of around 16,300 residents balances artistic heritage with natural beauty. Berea protects more than 8,400 acres of closed canopy forest with well-managed trail systems. The town earned designation as one of Kentucky’s Trail Towns and serves as a base for outdoor expeditions.
Top Attractions in Berea
The Kentucky Artisan Center showcases works from over 800 Kentucky artisans. You’ll find sculptures, pottery, glass art, traditional furniture and handmade dulcimers. Old Town Artisan Village anchors the downtown arts district. Visitors can watch studio artists at work by doing this: follow “Artists at Work” icons posted throughout town. The Berea Pinnacles trail network provides what many call the best hike in Kentucky, with trails managed by Berea College Forestry Department that lead to elevated lookouts. Berea College was founded as the first interracial and coeducational institution in the South and offers free tuition to students from low-income families.
Berea’s Artisan Scene
The Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen, founded in 1961, operates galleries and a craft school that preserve and promote the state’s artistic heritage. Hands On Workshops let visitors learn crafts ranging from culinary arts to traditional crafts, with a special “Make It, Take It, Give It” workshop series before the holiday season. The Spoonbread Festival occurs mid-September and celebrates cornmeal bread served with wooden spoons. The Berea College Celebration of Traditional Music has been running since 1974 and features Appalachian musical traditions each October.
Where to Stay and Eat in Berea
Historic Boone Tavern Hotel opened in 1909 and operates as a luxury boutique hotel. It features cuisine from the Berea College Farm, sourced locally. Papaleno’s Italian Restaurant has served pizza and Italian dishes since 1984. Other dining options include Native Bagel & Nightjar, Noodle Nirvana and Kentucky Artisan Café & Grill.
Grand Rivers – Kentucky’s Lakefront Gem
Image Source: Kentucky Tourism
What Makes Grand Rivers Special
House Beautiful magazine named Grand Rivers the Most Beautiful Small Town in Kentucky in 2020. This settlement sits between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley and is known as “The Village Between the Lakes”. Grand Rivers functions as one of few communities in the region where golf carts are road legal, with dedicated events like Golf Cart Poker Runs and Drive-In Movies. The town serves as the northern entrance to Land Between the Lakes, a 170,000-acre national recreation area.
Top Attractions in Grand Rivers
Patti’s 1880’s Settlement anchors the entertainment scene with its famous two-inch pork chops, flower pot bread, and boutique shops set among beautiful gardens. The Badgett Playhouse delivers Branson-style musical revues year-round with professional singers and dancers. Kentucky Dam, completed in 1944, impounds the Tennessee River to form Kentucky Lake, which covers 160,300 acres. Lake Barkley Dam, finished in 1964, created a 60,000-acre lake. Venture River Water Park in nearby Eddyville features water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers.
Grand Rivers’ Waterfront Activities
Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley form the largest body of water between the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico, with over 210,000 acres. The Land Between the Lakes offers 260 miles of hiking trails, 70 miles of mountain bike trails, and attractions that include the Elk & Bison Prairie and Golden Pond Planetarium. A mile-long walking trail winds from the jetty through downtown.
Where to Stay and Eat in Grand Rivers
Green Turtle Bay Resort on Lake Barkley provides 80 vacation rental condos with one to four bedrooms, three restaurants, pools, and a spa. Lighthouse Landing Resort on Kentucky Lake offers one to three-bedroom cottages. T. Lawson’s Grill serves bone-in ribeye and chipotle chicken tacos. Lite Side Cafe & Bakery and Docker’s On The Bay provide additional dining options.
Harrodsburg – Kentucky’s Oldest Town
Image Source: Britannica
What Makes Harrodsburg Special
James Harrod and 31 pioneers founded Harrodsburg on June 16, 1774. It stands as the oldest permanent settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains. President Franklin D. Roosevelt honored this difference with a monument in 1936. The city served as the first seat of Virginia’s Kentucky, Lincoln, and Mercer Counties upon their formations. Harrodsburg sits 32 miles southwest of Lexington in central Kentucky’s Bluegrass region near the Salt River. The population reached 8,418 as of 2019.
Top Attractions in Harrodsburg
Old Fort Harrod State Park includes 15 acres and has a full-scale replica of the 1774 fort. The park complex has the Mansion Museum, which houses Civil War artifacts and Abraham Lincoln memorabilia. The George Rogers Clark Federal Monument stands within the grounds. Architect Francis Keally and sculptor Ulric Ellerhusen designed it.
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill shares 3,000 acres of discovery and has 33 restored buildings from America’s largest Shaker community. This village housed the third largest Shaker community in the United States between 1805 and 1910. The site has hiking trails, horseback riding, and riverboat cruises aboard the 115-passenger Dixie Belle sternwheeler through Kentucky River Palisades.
Harrodsburg’s Historical Sites
The Lincoln Marriage Temple preserves the log cabin where Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks married on June 12, 1806. The park has the largest Osage Orange tree in the United States. Historic downtown Harrodsburg contains the oldest group of row houses in Kentucky that now house the historical society’s museum.
Where to Stay and Eat in Harrodsburg
Beaumont Inn was constructed in 1845 and provides lodging and dining in the Main Dining Room, Old Owl Tavern, and Owl’s Nest Lounge. Lemons Mill Brewery has local craft beers.
Paducah – UNESCO Creative City
Image Source: WKMS
What Makes Paducah Special
UNESCO designated Paducah as a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2013. This makes it one of only nine such cities in the United States. The difference recognizes the city’s role in connecting cultures through creativity, especially quilting. William Clark of Lewis and Clark fame founded Paducah in 1827. The city’s prosperity stems from its location at the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee rivers. The Artist Relocation Program has drawn painters, fiber artists and jewelry makers from around the globe to the LowerTown Arts District.
Top Attractions in Paducah
The National Quilt Museum covers 30,000 square feet of gallery space. This makes it the largest museum of its kind in the world. The collection has 600 art pieces, and women created more than 95% of them. Exhibits rotate 8-10 times per year. Traveling exhibitions are viewed by over 110,000 people annually from all 50 states and over 40 countries. The Paducah Floodwall features 50 life-sized murals by artist Robert Dafford, recognized internationally, that depict pivotal moments from the city’s past. The Paducah School of Art and Design anchors the LowerTown Arts District and provides world-class visual arts education.
Paducah’s Art and Quilting Scene
QuiltWeek occurs each April and features shows, contests and workshops led by expert instructors. These include Hollis Chatelain, Sue Nickels and Victoria Findlay Wolfe. Youth education programs include the annual School Block Challenge and Quilt Camp.
Where to Stay and Eat in Paducah
The Freight House offers farm-to-table Southern cuisine by Chef Sara Bradley, a Top Chef finalist. Doe’s Eat Place has served steaks since 1941. Kirchoff’s Bakery & Deli has operated since 1873.
Hodgenville – Lincoln’s Birthplace
Image Source: National Park Service
What Makes Hodgenville Special
Abraham Lincoln was born in Hodgenville on February 12, 1809, in a one-room log cabin on Sinking Spring Farm. The town sits in LaRue County, where Lincoln spent his first seven years before the family relocated to Indiana. The 2020 census recorded Hodgenville’s population at 3,235. The Hodgen family donated 27 acres in 1818 to establish the settlement. It became the county seat when LaRue County formed in 1843. Robert Hodgen operated a mill and inn. Thomas and Nancy Lincoln were customers there.
Top Attractions in Hodgenville
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park includes two separate farm sites where Lincoln was born and lived during childhood. The Sinking Spring site features a neoclassical Memorial Building that John Russell Pope designed. President William Howard Taft dedicated it on November 9, 1911. The building contains 16 windows, 16 rosettes and 16 fence poles that represent Lincoln as the 16th president. The 56 steps symbolize his age at death. The park operates Monday through Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm.
The Lincoln Museum displays life-size dioramas, period artifacts and wax figures that depict pivotal moments from Lincoln’s life. Galleries include Civil War memorabilia and original Lincoln art. A funeral train exhibit is also featured. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and Sunday from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
Abraham Lincoln’s Boyhood Home at Knob Creek features reconstructed buildings and interpretive displays. The family lived there from 1811 to 1816. The visitor center closes November through April. Grounds remain open daily from 10 am to 4 pm.
Hodgenville’s Lincoln Heritage
Downtown Hodgenville’s commercial district earned National Register of Historic Places status in 1988. The Lincoln Museum offers a free downloadable walking tour. It requires about one hour to complete.
Where to Stay and Eat in Hodgenville
Lincoln Lodge provides accommodations near the birthplace site. Laha’s Red Castle operates Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm. Vibe Coffee serves visitors Monday through Saturday from 7 am to 6 pm.
Winchester – Home of Ale-8 and Beer Cheese
Image Source: USA TODAY 10BEST
What Makes Winchester Special
Winchester claims a dual difference as birthplace of beer cheese and home to Ale-8-One, Kentucky’s only locally invented soft drink still in production. Clark County hosts this destination at the intersection of U.S. 60 and KY 627 just south of I-64, blending culinary heritage with natural beauty. The state recognized Clark County officially as the birthplace of beer cheese in 2013. Ale-8-One has been crafted here since 1926. Founder G.L. Wainscott launched his ginger and citrus blend at the Clark County Fair after he found ginger beer inspiration in Northern Europe.
Top Attractions in Winchester
The Beer Cheese Trail offers 15 stops to sample different varieties of this tangy spread. Visitors can explore the Bluegrass Heritage Museum to glimpse local culture and traditions. Lower Howard’s Creek Nature Preserve and Daniel Boone National Forest provide opportunities to hike and picnic across rolling hills and scenic landscapes. Red River Gorge, just thirty minutes away, features geological formations and recreational opportunities.
Winchester’s Culinary Traditions
Beer cheese originated in the 1930s. Chef Joe Allman created the spicy dip for the Driftwood Inn near Boonesborough. The annual Beer Cheese Festival takes over downtown Winchester each June and draws as many as 20,000 people for samples, live music and craft vendors. Winchester also celebrates Ale-8-One, which operates tours and custom labeling experiences at its modern bottling plant.
Where to Stay and Eat in Winchester
Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Best Western and Baymont by Wyndham provide accommodations. Hall’s on the River serves the famous Hall’s Snappy Beer Cheese introduced in 1965.
Corbin – Colonel Sanders’ Original Restaurant
Image Source: Sanders Cafe & Museum
What Makes Corbin Special
Fewer than 8,000 residents call Corbin home, yet this southeast Kentucky destination attracts visitors from around the globe. The birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken sits amid the Daniel Boone National Forest, one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. Corbin offers experiences that range from witnessing rare moonbows at Cumberland Falls to touring Colonel Sanders’ original kitchen. Outdoor adventures and culinary history define this town.
Top Attractions in Corbin
The Harland Sanders Café and Museum occupies the restaurant Sanders operated from 1940 to 1956. The National Register of Historic Places added the café on August 7, 1990. The café features Sanders’ office and the kitchen where he developed the KFC secret recipe during the 1940s. Authentic memorabilia fills the space. Visitors can dine in the original 1940s dining room.
Cumberland Falls measures 68 feet tall and 125 feet wide. The waterfall ranks as the second-largest east of the Rocky Mountains. The cascade produces moonbows, which are lunar rainbows visible only near waterfalls during full moons.
Corbin’s KFC Heritage and Natural Beauty
Downtown storefront occupancy climbed from 60% to nearly 100% in recent years. Sanders Park displays a life-size bronze statue that honors the Colonel. The Friends of the Colonel organization funded the statue in 2009.
Where to Stay and Eat in Corbin
Hampton Inn Corbin and Baymont by Wyndham provide accommodations. DuPont Lodge at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park features hemlock beams and knotty pine paneling. The lodge offers 51 rooms and observation decks that overlook the Cumberland River.
La Grange – The Railroad Town
What Makes La Grange Special
La Grange sits 20 miles northeast of Louisville and delivers an unmatched experience among Kentucky towns. Up to 23 freight trains daily roll down the center of Main Street. This spectacle draws visitors from around the world. The town was founded in 1827 and earned recognition as the Kindness Capital of Kentucky through the efforts of the “Be Kind Sisters”. La Grange marks 175 years since the first train traveled through its Main Street on February 9, 2025.
Top Attractions in La Grange
The La Grange Railroad Museum & Learning Center occupies a 1914 L&N train depot. Free admission provides access to over 800 feet of HO scale model railroad track and the Flying Duchess, one of few British locomotives in the United States. The Train Observation Tower offers premium viewing as CSX trains pass at 10 mph through downtown. Virtual Railfan operates two live cameras on Main Street and allows global audiences to watch trains immediately.
La Grange’s Railroad History
RailFest 175 takes place May 9-11, 2025, celebrating the railroad’s integral role in the town’s identity. The Oldham County History Center features two Underground Railroad Network to Freedom designations.
Where to Stay and Eat in La Grange
The Bourbon Rail offers three bedrooms within walking distance of downtown. Ernesto’s Mexican Cuisine and One Nineteen West Main serve trackside dining.
Elizabethtown – History Meets Adventure
Image Source: Elizabethtown Tourism
What Makes Elizabethtown Special
Locals call Elizabethtown “Etown” or “Bourbon’s Backyard.” The town has a dual identity as both a historic settlement and bourbon destination. Col. Andrew Hynes founded the town in 1793 by subdividing 30 acres. He named it after his wife before official incorporation on July 4, 1797. The population reached 22,524 and made it Hardin County’s seat. Three settlers built protective forts in 1779. This created a strategic triangle that drew more pioneers. The railroad arrived in 1854 and brought prosperity. Civil War forces used the city cemetery for artillery positions during an 1862 attack. The 2005 movie bearing the town’s name introduced Etown to broader audiences. The town received recognition as a Preserve America Community in April 2004.
Top Attractions in Elizabethtown
Swope’s Cars of Yesteryear Museum provides free admission. Visitors can view unique vehicles including a 1914 Renault and 1969 Chevy Camaro. Freeman Lake Park features a 170-acre lake for kayaking and fishing. The park also has tennis courts and disk golf. The Hardin County History Museum displays Civil War artifacts and Abraham Lincoln family connections. Boundary Oak Distillery produces small-batch bourbon using water from a limestone spring beneath a 100-year-old oak tree. Tasting tours cost $8.00.
Elizabethtown’s Historic Sites
The Historic Downtown Costumed Walking Tour runs Thursday evenings from May through September. Volunteers portray historical characters across a four-block radius during the one-hour experience. Visitors can spot the 1862 cannonball embedded in the Depp Building. Workers recovered it after an 1887 fire and replaced it in the original structure. Freeman Lake houses the Sarah Bush-Johnston Log Cabin honoring Lincoln’s stepmother born in Elizabethtown. The site also features the restored Lincoln Heritage House and Summit One-Room Schoolhouse that operated from 1892 to 1953. State legislator John Y. Hill built the Brown-Pusey House in 1825. General George Armstrong Custer stayed there. Winters Heritage House Museum preserves two colonial-era log structures located half a block from the town square.
Where to Stay and Eat in Elizabethtown
Hotels along I-65 provide pet-friendly accommodations, indoor pools and breakfast options. Impellizzeri’s Pizza operates in the 1907 Stewart Opera House. The restaurant serves Louisville-style pizza with over 80 bourbons and 16 beers on tap. Bourbon Barrel Tavern stocks more than 550 bourbons. Vibe Coffee serves bourbon-flavored coffee from local roasters. Doc’s Pour House combines bourbon selections with live music and pool tables. Bluegrass Meats & Catering serves Southern classics including pulled pork and brisket.
Pikeville – Gateway to Appalachia
Image Source: Tripadvisor
What Makes Pikeville Special
Eastern Kentucky’s mountains surround Pikeville, a town that serves a population under 10,000 with outsized cultural and educational offerings. The University of Pikeville added a medical school in 1997 and an optometry school in 2016. This remote location became a healthcare education hub. Downtown features bistro lights, art-decorated bear statues and Umbrella Alley. The Pikeville Cut-Through project moved 18 million cubic yards of earth from 1973 to 1987. It ranks as the second-largest earthmoving project in the Western Hemisphere.
Top Attractions in Pikeville
The Big Sandy Heritage Center houses the world’s largest collection of Hatfield and McCoy artifacts. Breaks Interstate Park offers hiking, biking and rafting. Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery combines tours with tastings. The Appalachian Center for the Arts presents theater and music in a 200-seat venue.
Pikeville’s Hatfield-McCoy History
Randolph McCoy and family members rest in Dils Cemetery overlooking the town. The feud spanned decades and culminated in the 1888 New Year’s massacre and subsequent trials. Perry Cline, a Pikeville attorney, brought legal action that involved both state governors.
Where to Stay and Eat in Pikeville
Hampton Inn Pikeville, Holiday Inn Express & Suites and The Landmark Hotel provide accommodations. Drake’s serves anniversary dinners. Chirico’s Ristorante operates in the former Randolph McCoy House.
London – Cycling Capital of Kentucky
Image Source: Kentucky Capitals Quest
What Makes London Special
The registered trademark Cycling Capital of Kentucky belongs to London, an honor earned through more than 300 miles of bike routes spanning rural roads and mountain bike trails. This city of 8,000+ residents was founded in 1826 and serves as a designated Trail Town and Tree City USA. Kentucky ranks among the top five states with the most miles on the U.S. Bicycle Route System. National Bike Route 21 (Daniel Boone Bike Route) passes through downtown London on its 268-mile route.
Top Attractions in London
Levi Jackson Wilderness Road State Park features the Treetop Adventure with rope bridges and ziplines, plus year-round camping. Camp Wildcat preserves one of the Civil War’s earliest battle sites. The World Chicken Festival celebrates Colonel Sanders’ legacy. Wildcat Off-Road Park provides adventures for motor enthusiasts.
London’s Cycling Trails
The Redbud Ride occurs each April with four route options: 24, 34, 72, and 100 miles. Active.com recognized the 100-mile Red Route as ‘Best Century Ride’ in 2011. Laurel Lake Trail offers 8 miles of singletrack. The Broken Spoke provides a 5.5-mile loop. Boondoggle Events hosts gravel races throughout the region.
Where to Stay and Eat in London
Accommodations cluster near I-75 exits, with options that range from hotels to campgrounds and lakeside cottages.
Midway – Horse Country Charm
Image Source: Visit Horse Country
What Makes Midway Special
The Lexington and Ohio Railroad gave birth to Midway in 1831. This made it the first town in Kentucky founded by a railroad. The name reflects its position as the midpoint between Lexington and Frankfort. This compact settlement in Woodford County has a population of 1,741 as of 2020 and sits surrounded by world-class Thoroughbred farms. The National Register of Historic Places recognized 176 buildings within the town back in 1978. This preserved the architectural heritage along streets named after original railroad company directors. World Atlas honored Midway as one of the ‘Most Captivating Small Towns in Kentucky’.
Top Attractions in Midway
Weisenberger Mill has operated at its site on South Elkhorn Creek since 1865. The mill offers more than 70 items from flour to grits. Equus Run Vineyards opened in 1998, where visitors can take self-guided strolls or book private tours and tastings. Walter Bradley Park provides peaceful walks through nature at the heart of town. Nearby Woodford Reserve Distillery produces the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby. The Midway Fall Festival takes over Railroad Street the third weekend of September.
Midway’s Equestrian Heritage
Midway anchors the Bluegrass Region’s Thoroughbred horse industry. Prestigious farms dot the landscape, including Lane’s End (which hosted Queen Elizabeth II) and Ashford Stud (the largest Thoroughbred breeding operation in the world). Three Chimneys Farm and Airdrie also call this area home. Midway University offers an acclaimed Equine Studies program.
Maysville – Historic River Town
Image Source: Roads Less Traveled
What Makes Maysville Special
Maysville sits on the Ohio River 66 miles northeast of Lexington and served as a vital port for northeastern Kentucky. The 2020 census recorded a population of 8,873. The Simon Kenton Memorial Bridge spans 1,991 feet across the Ohio River. Built in 1931, it connects Maysville with Aberdeen, Ohio. Harriet Beecher Stowe witnessed a slave auction here in 1833 and later incorporated the scene into Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
Top Attractions in Maysville
The Kentucky Gateway Museum Center houses more than 4,000 artifacts and the Old Pogue Experience with bourbon tastings. Washington Opera House has stood since 1889. It ranks as the fifth oldest theater still in use on the National Register. Robert Dafford painted ten murals on the downtown floodwall between 1998 and 2008. They depict Native American hunts, steamboat landings and the Underground Railroad.
Maysville’s Ohio River Heritage
Maysville is the birthplace of bourbon and advertised ‘Bourbon Whiskey’ in 1821. The Old Pogue Distillery dates back to the 1870s as the third distillery registered in the commonwealth. The National Underground Railroad Museum occupies the historic Bierbower family home.
Where to Stay and Eat in Maysville
Hampton Inn and French Quarter Inn provide accommodations. Caproni’s On The River has operated since the 1930s, while M’s Eatery offers rotating menus.
Augusta – Riverside Serenity
Image Source: Kentucky Living
What Makes Augusta Special
Augusta sits along the Ohio River where Kentucky meets Ohio. The town has a population just over 1,000, yet this riverside community punches above its weight in cultural significance. Rosemary Clooney, the iconic singer and actress from White Christmas, lived here from 1980 until her passing in 2002. Her nephew George Clooney graduated from Augusta High School and cemented the town’s Hollywood connection. The town was founded in 1797. Augusta’s historic district earned National Register of Historic Places status, with most buildings that display Federal and Greek Revival architecture from the early and mid-1800s.
Top Attractions in Augusta
The Rosemary Clooney Museum houses the world’s largest collection of White Christmas memorabilia. The collection includes costumes worn by all four stars. Augusta Distillery produces top-quality bourbon in a 40,000-square-foot facility open for tours. The Augusta Ferry has operated since 1798. Rides cost just $1.00 per person (cash only). Beehive Augusta Tavern serves farm-to-table meals with Ohio River views.
Augusta’s River Views and Historic District
Riverside Drive runs alongside the Ohio River. Main Street features local retail shops and antique stores. Augusta’s unobstructed sunset views attract photographers and artists.
Comparison Table
| Town | Population | Founded/Historical Significance | Main Claim to Fame | Core Attractions | Special Recognition | Location |
| Bardstown | – | Chartered 1788; Kentucky’s second-oldest city | Bourbon Capital of the World (trademarked since the 1950s) | Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, My Old Kentucky Home State Park, Oscar Getz Museum of Bourbon History | Most Beautiful Small Town in America (Rand McNally/USA Today 2012); Close to 200 buildings on National Register | Nelson County |
| Berea | ~16,300 residents | – | Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky | Kentucky Artisan Center, Berea Pinnacles trail network, Old Town Artisan Village | Designated as one of Kentucky’s Trail Towns; Official Folk Arts and Crafts Capital by State Legislature | ~40 miles south of Lexington |
| Grand Rivers | – | – | “The Village Between the Lakes” | Patti’s 1880’s Settlement, Badgett Playhouse, Kentucky Dam & Lake Barkley | Most Beautiful Small Town in Kentucky (House Beautiful 2020) | Between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley |
| Harrodsburg | 8,418 (as of 2019) | Founded June 16, 1774 | Kentucky’s oldest permanent settlement west of Allegheny Mountains | Old Fort Harrod State Park, Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Lincoln Marriage Temple | Monument by President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1936) | 32 miles southwest of Lexington; Bluegrass region |
| Paducah | – | Founded 1827 by William Clark | UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art | National Quilt Museum, Paducah Floodwall murals, LowerTown Arts District | UNESCO Creative City (2013); One of only nine in the United States | Confluence of Ohio and Tennessee rivers |
| Hodgenville | 3,235 (2020 census) | Founded 1818; became county seat 1843 | Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace (February 12, 1809) | Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, Lincoln Museum, Boyhood Home at Knob Creek | Commercial district on National Register (1988) | LaRue County |
| Winchester | – | – | Home of Ale-8-One and birthplace of beer cheese | Beer Cheese Trail (15 stops), Ale-8-One bottling plant, Lower Howard’s Creek Nature Preserve | Official birthplace of beer cheese (2013) | Clark County; intersection of U.S. 60 and KY 627 |
| Corbin | Fewer than 8,000 residents | Р| Birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken | Harland Sanders Caf̩ and Museum, Cumberland Falls (68 ft tall, 125 ft wide) | Sanders Caf̩ on National Register (1990); Cumberland Falls produces rare moonbows | Southeast Kentucky; Daniel Boone National Forest |
| La Grange | – | Founded 1827 | Up to 23 freight trains down Main Street each day | La Grange Railroad Museum, Train Observation Tower, Virtual Railfan live cameras | Kindness Capital of Kentucky; 175th railroad anniversary (2025) | 20 miles northeast of Louisville |
| Elizabethtown | 22,524 | 226 years old; incorporated July 4, 1797 | “Bourbon’s Backyard” | Swope’s Cars of Yesteryear Museum, Freeman Lake Park, Boundary Oak Distillery | Preserve America Community (April 2004) | Hardin County seat |
| Pikeville | Under 10,000 | – | Gateway to Appalachia; Hatfield-McCoy feud history | Big Sandy Heritage Center, Breaks Interstate Park, Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery | Pikeville Cut-Through: second-largest earthmoving project in Western Hemisphere | Eastern Kentucky mountains |
| London | 8,000+ residents | Founded 1826 | Cycling Capital of Kentucky (registered trademark) | 300+ miles of bike routes, Levi Jackson Wilderness Road State Park, World Chicken Festival | Designated Trail Town and Tree City USA; National Bike Route 21 passes through | – |
| Midway | 1,741 (2020 census) | Founded 1831 | First town in Kentucky founded by a railroad | Weisenberger Mill (operating since 1865), Equus Run Vineyards, Woodford Reserve Distillery | 176 buildings on National Register (1978); One of ‘Most Captivating Small Towns’ (World Atlas) | Midpoint between Lexington and Frankfort; Woodford County |
| Maysville | 8,873 (2020 census) | – | Historic Ohio River port; birthplace of bourbon | Kentucky Gateway Museum Center, Washington Opera House (1889), Floodwall murals | Washington Opera House: fifth oldest theater on National Register | 66 miles northeast of Lexington; Ohio River |
| Augusta | Just over 1,000 | Founded 1797 | Rosemary Clooney’s hometown; riverside serenity | Rosemary Clooney Museum, Augusta Distillery, Augusta Ferry (operating since 1798) | Historic district on National Register; Federal and Greek Revival architecture | Along Ohio River where Kentucky meets Ohio |
Enjoy Small Towns in Kentucky
Kentucky’s small towns pack experiences well beyond what their modest populations suggest. Bourbon trails wind through Bardstown. Trains roll down La Grange’s Main Street. Each destination has something distinct to offer. Visitors can explore Lincoln’s birthplace in Hodgenville or sample beer cheese along Winchester’s culinary trail. Rare moonbows appear at Cumberland Falls near Corbin.
Berea’s artisan workshops and Paducah’s quilting heritage provide cultural depth. Harrodsburg’s pioneer history adds another layer. Grand Rivers and Augusta showcase riverside tranquility that draws people back year after year. These 15 charming destinations prove Kentucky’s small towns pack remarkable character worth finding in 2026, whether travelers seek bourbon tastings, outdoor adventures or artistic immersion.
FAQs
Q1. Which Kentucky town was named the most beautiful small town in America? Bardstown claimed the title of ‘Most Beautiful Small Town in America’ in the Rand McNally/USA Today 2012 competition. More recently, Grand Rivers earned recognition as the ‘Most Beautiful Small Town in Kentucky’ from House Beautiful magazine in 2020.
Q2. What is Kentucky’s oldest permanent settlement? Harrodsburg holds the distinction as Kentucky’s oldest permanent settlement, founded on June 16, 1774, by James Harrod and 31 pioneers. It is the oldest town west of the Allegheny Mountains, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt honored this historical significance with a monument in 1936.
Q3. Which Kentucky town is known as the Bourbon Capital of the World? Bardstown has held the trademarked title of “Bourbon Capital of the World” since the 1950s. The town offers 11 distillery experiences within 16 miles of downtown, and Nelson County houses nearly 3 million barrels of aging bourbon.
Q4. Where was Kentucky Fried Chicken originally created? Kentucky Fried Chicken originated in Corbin, where Colonel Harland Sanders operated his restaurant from 1940 to 1956. The Harland Sanders Café and Museum, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990, preserves the original kitchen where Sanders developed the famous KFC secret recipe during the 1940s.
Q5. What makes Paducah unique among American cities? Paducah earned designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2013, making it one of only nine such cities in the United States. The town is home to the National Quilt Museum, the largest museum of its kind in the world, and features a thriving arts district that has attracted artists from around the globe.
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